Give a little love
Marvin & Tammi Lyrics


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Oh my love if you'll
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, oh babe
Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Will do
The things I should for you
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, oh, yes I will

I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
So I can make love, make love, make love to only you

Oh my love, if you'll
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Come through
I know I haven't been good to you
So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
To you, you, you, honey

Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Will do
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Be true
Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll




Come through
Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll

Overall Meaning

The song "Give A Little Love" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is a plea for forgiveness and a promise of loyalty. The lyrics express regret for past mistakes and a desire to make things right by asking for a little trust and faith from the listener. The verses are addressed to a lover who has been hurt by the singer's actions, and the chorus is a repeated promise to be true and come through for them if given a chance.


The first verse establishes the singer's history of not being good to their partner, but asking for just a little love as a chance to prove their loyalty. The second verse focuses on the singer's promise to do the right things for their partner if they have faith in them. The bridge acknowledges the damage done by the singer's mistakes, but asks for forgiveness and a second chance to make love and be together.


The song's combination of Marvin Gaye's smooth vocals and Tammi Terrell's sweet harmonies, along with the Motown studio musicians' catchy instrumentation, create a soulful and upbeat sound that contrasts with the lyrics' heartfelt plea for forgiveness. The song's message is ultimately one of hope, that even after mistakes and hurt, there is still a chance for love to work out if both parties are willing to give a little.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh my love if you'll
If you trust me a little, my love,


Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believing in me just a tiny bit is all I need, and I promise


Come through
I will deliver on my promises


I know I haven't been good to you
I realize I have let you down


So give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Please extend some kindness to me, and in return


Be true
I will be loyal and sincere


To you, you, oh babe
Only to you, my dear


Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Believe in my ability to do better and I


Will do
I will take action and put forth effort


The things I should for you
I will do what is right and necessary for our love


You, you, you, oh, yes I will
For you, my love, I am willing to do anything


I know I've strayed far, far away from your arms
I admit that I have wandered far from your embrace


Hey, hey, baby, just like a fool
I was foolish to let you slip away


I hope and I pray that you'll let me return
I desperately wish that you will allow me to come back to you


So I can make love, make love, make love to only you
I want nothing more than to physically express my love to you and only you


Have a little faith, just a little faith in me and I
Trust that I want to be better, and I


Will do
I will take responsibility for my actions and try to do better


Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Offer a small amount of love to me and in exchange


Be true
I will be honest and devoted


Have a little trust, just a little trust in me, oh, I'll
Believe in me even just a little, and


Come through
I will follow through on my promises


Give a little love, just a little love to me and I'll
Give me a chance, and I promise to




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JOHNNY WILLIAM BRISTOL, HARVEY FUQUA, WILBURT JACKSON, JACKSON WILBURT, CLYDE WILSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@catirerubio

All their duets were great, but this stand out was/is magnificent!

@creolelady3519

catirerubio
Oh Yeeeeeeeeeees, this is when music was music.

@Brickcitygirl

That's true indeed

@SuperChris1225

I like everything about this song. I have loved it since I first heard in 1967, shortly after my discharge from the U.S. Army. Thank you for posting this marvelous recording by these two greats.

@dggd

One of my all-time favorites from day one as a teen. Tammi's youthful, yet strong, mature developed vocals bring such nourishment to the ears and soul, coupled with Marvin's loving, and sincere longing in his vocals, makes this heavenly duet a masterful artistry that's truly a gift from God. Makes me cry tears of joy and sadness, because it was such a short time they had together. But "what they gave us was more than enough to last" SALUTE FOREVERMORE. TOAST🍷 💞

@Cas82958

Beautiful duet. These 2 could do no wrong together! Rest in peace to both!

@darrenjames7901

Do you hear how smooth Marvin Gaye is ?

@elsalopez8164

Marvin and Tammi were like a King and a Goddess!! I will love them forever❤️

@lenachavez1456

This is one of the most beautifullest songs i have ever heard? Where are rhe others?

@creolelady4096

This is the type of music, that touches the heart ❤️and makes you just want to fall in love and nothing else. Yeeeeeeees indeed 👍👍💯 💯💯💯❤️

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